So this week I made a new Retro Kitchens Page aimed at helping helping readers get started with a kitchen remodel. Importantly, it shares some of my experienced aimed in particular at folks who are NEW to their OLD house and contemplating a kitchen makeover. My kinda major focus is… take your time. I came up with eight items. But, I want to make this the best page/advice possible. So today, OPEN THREAD: Readers, what else can we advise folks who are new to their old house and who are contemplating what to do with the kitchen? Above: Reader Rebecca recently finished a retro remodel; her story is in the pipeline. I bet she can add to the 411.
Here’s my start at it:
Some of my thoughts if you are NEW to your OLD house and contemplating a kitchen remodel:
- Environmental and safety issues come first. Vintage houses can contain vintage nastiness such as lead, asbestos, and more. Consult with properly licensed professionals to know what is in your house, and how to make informed decisions about how to handle.
- If you are new to your old kitchen — go slow. Before you proceed thinking you need a gut remodel, for instance, get to know your kitchen first. Live in it a year to get to know its flow. Get to know its original style and features. Get to know your “Retro Kitchen Style” — because not all retro is alike. It may turn out that, once you learn about the original features in your retro kitchen, you might come to love them — and you may not need to spend the money, and endure the aggravation of a major remodel.
- Consider updates that are in harmony with the original architecture of your house. Sure, an original retro kitchen may be “dated.” But every kitchen is dated. For example: Don’t kid yourself: Put a 2013 kitchen in your 1955 house… and in a few years that 2013 kitchen will be “dated”, too — and, dated to the wrong year. But, put in a kitchen that is harmonious with the original 1955 architecture – and at least its date will match the date of the house. “Yes, but what about ‘resale’?” folks always ask. Well, my point of view is: Mid century houses are now old enough to be considered “historic”, either officially or non-officially. “Historical restorations” or period-appropriate remodels are desirable to folks who are “into” old houses. And, you can do a period remodel that isn’t “over the top” — one that’s kind of “flexible” (this is what I did with my three bathrooms.) On the other hand, going back to our example, a 2013 kitchen in a 1955 house is unlikely to appeal to a shopper 10 years from now who is into what’s new in 2023; in reality, your financial loss* (*See item #5, below) on your fabulous 2013 kitchen remodel will only grow each and year thereafter, especially if you put in “trendy” 2013 stuff. And finally, mind you, “trendier” has a shorter lifespan every year. Disclaimer, thought: All this is IMHO, do not consider this financial advice, this is something you need to do your own research and consult with your own professionals on, based on your market conditions.
- Humble materials – This point kind of goes with the one above. Many — probably “most” — mid century and older houses were decorated with materials that *today* would be considered kind of… low brow. Things like: Simple wood kitchen cabinets… laminate counter tops… vinyl flooring… even knotty pine. This is pretty much opposite of what the “mainstream market” wants to sell you today — (more expensive) granite… marble… blinged out cabinetry. I personally found it a relief not to have to spec out my kitchen to “Keep up with the Joneses.” My kitchen “fits” with the rest of my (humble materials) house. And by skipping the luxe, I think I saved a lot of money.
- Recognize that most major remodels are a bad financial “investment”. Data indicate that most homeowners will not recover the cost of a major kitchen renovation when they to go re-sell. Read my story looking at the annual research — and be aware.
- Save your time, energy and money for the final fix. Unless there is a safety or environmental issue involved, I am not one for putting a drop of money into a space as a “stop gap measure” while we agonize over the big picture plan. Okay, I might paint the wall (off white), so that I can “see” the space better so I can figure out what I want. My husband is really good about reminding me: An old house is a time and money pit constantly presenting costly surprises. Be careful about squandering on half measures. ‘Invest’ in making plans that will endure for years… and then spend the time, energy and money — once.
- Get a subscription to Consumer Reports. When you are in spending mode like this, your head will spin. As far as I know, Consumer Reports is the only resource out there to do testing to try and really triangulate to “value”.
- Disclaimer and clarification to all of the above: I am not a contractor, an architect, a designer, a real estate expert or variant of some such profession. I am writing this from my perspective as an owner of four old houses over my lifetime, and as a blogger who has been writing on this topic for about six years. Do your own research… identify and engage your own properly licensed professionals… make thoughtful decisions that are right for you.
As you can see, I’m focused on the “planning” stage — not on prescribing specific solutions or “what to do’s”. Readers, I welcome your thoughts and experiences!
Robin, NV says
Pam, as always you’re totally spot on. After the health and safety considerations, the #1 rule should be “live with it for a while.” When I bought my house I was buzzing with remodel ideas but thankfully I wasn’t able to afford everything I wanted to do. Now, after 3 years in my house, I know what it wants. Take the time to listen to your house rather than rushing in with a list of dream projects.
pam kueber says
Yup: “Listen to your house”! Thanks, Robin!
Becky says
Robin, that’s exactly how I put it too, “listening to the house.” It has taken me several years to really understand my house but I love it and know better what it wants now. Except in the kitchen, that is. Still not sure about the kitchen, but that’s another story! LOL
Margaret Wells Geier says
I just did this very thing: bought an old house (1946) and gutted the kitchen to create a new kitchen. I am very happy with the result. Some things I learned: research, research, research before anything else. I knew what I wanted by the time I decided to start. Buying from local businessess was cheaper than the big box stores. Great inexpensivel things can be found on craigslist and ebay. Protect the house floors with heavy kraft paper. Ours could be found at the local recycling business. Include covering your new kitchen floors with kraft paper before installing cabinets! Oil paint is available with water clean up. Use it, but beware it does gum up on the brush. We cleaned brushes with water and soap during a painting session. Wallpaper comes in delightful colors and patterns. Different eras had different color choiices. It’s an easy way to “do” retro.
And lastly: there will be things you didn’t think of ahead of time.
pam kueber says
Within days of installing my brand new kitchen floor (retro looking Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze), it was gashed by the folks who brought the refrigerator in. Shoot me. Thanks for this tip, and the others, Margaret!
TraySide says
I don’t think I’ve seen it posted yet – but shop for vintage! My cabin had a cheap 80’s redo in the kitchen, so I found a 1950’s kitchen on Craigslist (including the original GE stove). I had to do some sensitive retrofitting, and now I’ve got a vintage space that just feels right. Etsy, eBay, and local sites are also great resources. Now if I could just find some more red boomerang Formica……
pam kueber says
Thanks, TraySide, yes, so obvious I didn’t include it. I think, though, that talking about specific options will be a separate section of the Page. Even so, for the “if you’re thinking about it” this point fits in that taking your time enables you to shop for vintage… to collect what you need… or even better, what the Retro Decorating Gods decide your house needs! Ana also made this excellent point. Thanks!
Ana says
Even if you plan to live with things a while, get qualified and licensed professionals to look over your infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, etc.) to alert you of hazards as well as things that will need to be brought up to code. Those things can affect the changes you make (and the cost) and you should know those things up front, particularly if you do need to go ahead and fix something. Worry about the cosmetics later.
For ideas, tour both old and new homes. I had a friend who lived in a 1 bedroom 1920s bungalow that had so much smart storage (original to the house) it was unbelievable. You can get ideas for built-ins that will help you work with small spaces. And new homes can sometimes be very creative as well, particularly those built on small lots in urban areas because they may also have to maximize space while appealing to a modern aesthetic.
Begin collecting things you love from thrift stores, garage sales and your grandma’s attic so they can inform your design. If you pick things that reflect you and what makes you happy, a lot of other choices will be easier because your mind will already be forming a picture of what the final result will be, and you can eliminate choices of materials and colors that don’t fit in.
Set a budget and challenge yourself to try to come in lower. It will encourage you to be more creative with what you have, and you can decide what really matters to you and put the money on what’s important.
pam kueber says
Agreed!: Getting to know and then handle the maintenance issues in an old house is likely to keep you hopping for some time. Cosmetics are a “nice to have” — not a “need to have.” I also love your other points — tour old houses, and then start to collect. These are additional reasons to take it slow. Thanks, Ana!
All this said, I think another point is going to be: Take this time to determine whether you have the stamina and true interest to take your time. Restoring and/or remodeling a home with an eye toward reflecting its original architecture is a Big Commitment. A Journey. Now, I’m reminded of my The Hard Way essay I run every Jan. 1. Not everyone really wants to commit themselves to this journey — they are “into” other things — and we should respect that.
Golly, my updated write up is gonna be… long!
Mia Sorensen says
I’ve got a 1955 Cliff May home that retains only a portion of the original features of the home. We have two small children and though we’ve outgrown our 1034 sq ft home, we’re committed to finishing the projects that sold us on the house in the first place!
We considered taking the entire house back to it’s original state, but in doing so we would lose space that the previous owners remodeled to get!
What we settled on was doing a gut remodel of the kitchen and bathroom since they were last done in 1983 using cheap materials, while refurbishing the original elements in the rest of the house.
In choosing the ‘direction’ for our loo, budget was key for us. We are not DIY people so we chose a contractor who has experience remodeling mid century homes. I had a hard time sourcing period materials because mid mod is ridiculously spendy in my area. Blue sink with Hudee for $200 at an estate sale? No thanks! I ended up using modern fixtures and ecofriendly materials where it was possible. In short, it was done in a week, and we came in $2k under budget.
Our kitchen is up next. Since we saved so much money, we’re using that to purchase a retro looking new fridge and stove. I’m using two toned cabinets (wood lowers and glossy white uppers). I’m knocking down a non load bearing wall to bring more light into the kitchen, living and dining rooms and I am considering the vintage tile we found in the crawlspace for the backsplash. Haven’t decided on countertops yet…
Basically, we don’t want to spend our money on things were unsure about since we are not committed to staying here long term. I figure, we’re respecting the architecture by keeping original original and balancing the rest with new modern loveliness. The next owners can decide what to do with it!
pam kueber says
Mia, it sounds like your approach is very respectful, well thought out — and in harmony with the original architecture. There is no single “right way”. I am not gonna tell anyone they have to do an absolutely authentic period remodel. Here on the blog, we are just showing alternatives to what the current mass market preaches — there are other ways!
Also, I’m just huge on respecting stuff even if you decide it has to go. In general, the generations before us did not have an “ugly” aesthetic — just a “different aesthetic” — and it was one sold to them by their mass market, too!
Sounds like you are a super thoughtful person creating a very happy — and practical space — for your family! Hey, back in the day, 1034 s.f. was JUST FINE for a family of four. I bet that living in this size space will help you focus on other things that matter — outings, experiences, food — rather than “accumulating, cleaning, paying more taxes, paying for more heat and electricity, paying for more home maintenance — and also, having to work to pay for all these items with after tax money.” Smaller is waaaaaay Smarter, if you ask me!
Roberta Lee says
Just want to add to my above comments that I am addicted to Zillow.com, and to looking at photos of cool old houses. Yesterday I clicked on a wonderful 1945 Tudor Revival a few blocks from my house, and even before I looked at the photos the words, “Totally updated!’ jumped out at me. The words proved truthful, to my horror: If there is anything left from 1945 inside that poor old house, I can’t see it. I would never, ever consider buying the thing. So never assume that the ‘update’ you pay for will increase your home’s value or saleability. I drove a Realtor crazy insisting on an authentic old house, and finally found the right combination of original and improved. But I had to be persistent and patient because so many grand old houses have been “updated” into utter irrelevance.
pam kueber says
Yes, I LOVE it when they don’t show the bathrooms in a “needs updating” house. Always means they are original!
Roberta Lee says
I agree with Pam’s wise comments. My previous house had an all-original 1963 kitchen, which I updated only by replacing the torn vinyl flooring with ceramic black/white checkerboard, painting the very dark birch laminate cabinets pale lime and the walls pale lemon, and replacing the old white appliances with new white appliances. I added lots of Fiestaware and it looked great!
I bought this house 2 years ago, and it had 75% original 1953 bathrooms (love them!) but a 3 year old stainless, granite, marble kitchen. Don’t misunderstand, it’s a wonderful, practical kitchen, but had it been my choice I would have tried to save as much as possible of the original, updating with colorful appliances, paint and only enough new stuff to replace that which truly needed replacing.
In summary: GO SLOW! Once the old stuff has been jack-hammered out and is in the dumpster it is gone, forever. Respect your vintage kitchen and try using the word “authentic” rather than “old.” See, doesn’t that already feel better?
annabelle says
I am in the middle of a 1931 apartment renovation and am nervous as heck that I’m making the right choices. If there is such a thing as Mid-Century Modest, I’d like to suggest there’s also an Art Deco Demure, which basically describes our moderately-sized, moderately-detailed new home! The place was never heavy on ornamentation (it was built during the Depression, after all), so we’ve decided to jazz it up a bit with reproductions and salvage whenever possible.
We’ve had to completely gut the bath, black & yellow tile and all, as it was in such poor shape. But we’re replacing it with black & white tile, in an even more interesting pattern (if I do say so myself). In the kitchen, we’re stripping and repainting the original solid wood built-ins (unfortunately we have to replace the pitted chrome hardware), and just made the decision to bust our budget to have custom cabinets made to match and fill in the other areas and increase our storage. As noted above, these old kitchens don’t always have enough storage, or storage of the right shape and size, for our modern needs! Without new cabinets I have NO IDEA where we would have fit our juicer.
At first I tried to stick as much as possible to the design of the era, but recently I’ve begun to let it drop. I am designing this for ME, after all, and if I want some Victorian chair rail and a 20s chandelier, I’m going to get it, darn it. Just like I’m going to get my dishwasher, even if I have to give up a on steel sink cabinet to fit it in. I wish we could have lived in the place for a little while before making major decisions, but in an 850 sq ft space, it just would have been too hard.
pam kueber says
Annabelle, it sounds like you are being very thoughtful. Your comments remind me: I LOVE being eclectic in decor. I tend to think anything “permanent” and a major hard-to-move expenditure — e.g. bathroom tile or kitchen cabinets — is where a homeowner might want to go for period-appropriate. But decor — lighting, paint colors, even a chair rail — those can be easily switched out. Be eclectic, decorate in a way that pleases you! And in your case — where your “infrastructure” pieces are simple “moderately-detailed”, as you describe — that means all the less to spend on the hardscape, more to spend on the decoration that makes it all sing! Thanks for your comments!
Chad D says
Annabelle, it sounds like our houses and furniture styles are similar; I’d love your ideas! (My name links to my house blog)
And Pam, as another reader in a way old house, I’d love to see a feature sometime of mid century stuff fitting into an older house; you’ve had a few things showing 1950’s kitchens and bathrooms in Victorian houses and I found myself wishing I could have seen just a bit more of how the styles coexisted.
annabelle says
Chad I just picked up the same deco brass backplates for my doors. Will be following along to see how your house comes along!
Arron says
O.K. so I was the big turd when we moved into our current house back in 2000 the kitchen at the time to me was ugly and I wanted all the latest stainless steel appliances as did the wife, plus the stove didn’t work unless you lit it with a match, the dishwasher leaked and there was a desk built into the wall that only a small child could fit into to use and the cabinets were in bad shape doors falling off or cracked. Well we did the unthinkable we gutted it down to the studs, tore out anything 1960’s, and added more storage by getting rid of the built in desk and the built in oven. So we put new appliances and cabinets in, and you know what I miss my 60’s kitchen but it was too far gone from neglect and abuse. I was able to save the cool built in light above the sink and one other original light that we still use. On the plus side we added a great deal of storage that we would not have had and we have newer appliances now, instead of the 1976 Bi-Centennial value special that was beyond falling apart, and worst of all everything was a different color so the dishwasher was a different color from the stove as was the refrigerator.
I’m really bad as I have only recently have come to appreciate my 1964 home and am in the process starting with the living room of bringing back some retro to the house.
pam kueber says
Hey, Arron, we totally understand when you gotta do what you gotta do! See my earlier comment listing “The Retro Renovators Creed” — which includes our key rule “No One Can Be Made to Feel Bad for Their Decisions” — it’s ONLY DECORATING FOR GOODNESS SAKE. Plus, I try to underscore: If the room is shot… or if it doesn’t work for you and your family, then change it! The key thing I always want to try and promote, though, is to do so with respect. Sounds like you’re having fun with your 1960s house – yay!
Jay says
I certainly don’t think you are bad – sounded like a horror show, maybe some tweaking may have saved the kitchen but worn out is worn out. I look at my wall oven and think if I had a stove then there would be more counterspace, but I like the convenience of the wall oven – no bending and it would mean ripping out the birch plywood cabinets and soffits which equals dollars. Can’t be bothered.
pam kueber says
Yup: Some times “worn out is worn out”.
Catherine says
I agree with the “wait a while” advice–not just to see if what you have grows on you, but because old houses may have expensive-to-fix problems that weren’t immediately apparent and that may be a bigger priority. I mentioned in a comment yesterday that we hadn’t changed much with our “new old” kitchen, but actually, we did have the electrical brought up to code and the kitchen and utility plumbing completely replaced. The sink drained fine when we had the house inspected, but before we had even moved in, it stopped. We knew when buying that statistically, the plumbing was about at the end of its life, but we were glad that the immediate need to spend that money showed up before we had committed it to anything else. Many people don’t seem to like to put the money into what doesn’t show, but it does make a difference in your standard of living and your resale value if your house’s structure and systems are good. (As a house shopper, it was frustrating to see new countertops in houses with rickety furnaces or windows. Give me a sturdy, functional house with rundown decor any day–chances are, I won’t like someone else’s new decor any better anyway.)
I am kind of on the fence about the “humble materials” suggestion. I have seen fancy appointments put into what are now modest homes in a way that I think looks silly. On the other hand, a lot of that midcentury stuff was quite conspicuous consumption at the time. I kind of suspect that one reason many people held on to what they had bought then was because they had overspent so much on it in the first place. So I side with frugal, but on the other hand, maybe there is a little bit of getting into the spirit of the times.
P.S. I’m on the side of kitchens you can close the door on!
pam kueber says
Great comments, Catherine. I agree with you that when your houses were built – the materials in them may well have been top of the line. That said, in even high-end houses back in the day, I see the same materials. So there may not have been so much of a distinction. When I say consider using the “humble” materials — I am speaking about how these vintage materials may be viewed today. For example, you don’t see many mainstream decor media applauding 4″ ceramic tiles for bathrooms. But these are the tiles most suitable to a period authentic remodel of a mid century bathroom – in either a middle class or even upper class home.
I really also agree VERY MUCH with you — that you should reserve money to fix the surprises… to maintain the basics. If your house is an old house, all the more so. A rule of thumb that I have read is that in ANY HOME, you need to expect to spend 3% of its value annually on maintenance. This is a “trend” figure. Some years it will be higher, some years it will be lower. See this story about costly and expensive “surprises” from owning a home — Readers, do you have that kind of slush fund? *be realistic*
Thanks, Catherine — great builds!